Hey friends!
If you have been following my social media lately you have seen ALL the work I have been putting in to convert an old unfinished shed to my new studio!
My husband, myself, and our 2 dogs recently relocated from Savannah, GA to Seattle, WA. We had to sell our first home (which broke my heart a little) and move into a rental owned by my husband's parents. We downsized in square footage, approximately 400sq.ft., but I was lucky to have an old shed on the property that I was given free reign over! The whole 3,000 mile drive across the US (in -20° might I add) my head was spinning with ideas and dreams of how I was going to make over this studio. I knew I wanted a nuetral color pallet as I would be creating many painting tutorials, and taking professional pictures in this space.
As soon as we made it to our new temporary home I had to go live and show everyone the massive project I would be taking on. I'm talking flooring, moulding/trim work, a shiplap feature wall, painting, shelving, and of course a locking door handle incase we get an unwanted guest poking around the property, atleast my tools and supplies will be safe inside! Most of these renovations were totally new to me. But I knew I had to start somewhere!
I began researching different types of flooring but ultimately I knew I wanted LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank) floors. They are extremely durable, very hard to scratch. Spilled water will not ruin them. I can splatter paint on them and clean up a week or even month later no problem, and they have a beautiful rustic look. I quickly realized how expensive this studio makeover may cost! The floors alone for the cheapest option at Lowes would cost me nearly $300! Keep in mind we are renting... I explored my options and one day while poking around Habitat for Humanity I found these beautiful and rustic LVP that were so much more affordable! $100 for a 12'x9' studio!
My Supplies:
• LVP Flooring (Habitat For Humanity)
• Tec Stick N Stay Multi-floor adhesive (Lowes)
• 9in Flooring Trowel (Lowes)
• Box Knife
• Hammer
• Bucket of hot soapy water and a rag
First step - I swept and vacuumed the plywood floors to remove any dirt and debris.
Step 2 - I laid out a whole box to line up similar grain and warmer/cooler pieces together so it had a nice flow from the door to the back wall to help the space appear bigger. I made sure to alternate each row touching different walls so I didn't have a big line across my floors where each 4' plank ended.
Step 3 - I spaced out approximately a quarter of an inch from each wall incase the floors expand during temperature changes.
Step 4 - I used my trowel to scrape my adhesive directly on the plywood floors in the dimensions of each plank.
Step 5 - I laid my plank down, lining up to each spaced edge and firmly pressed down. I even stood up and "walked the plank" to really ensure adhesion!
Step 6 - I dipped my rag in the hot soapy water, rung out the excess and wiped back over my plank to remove any adhesive on the top of my plank.
Step 7 - I scraped on more adhesive, and lined up my next plank and firmly pressed it to the end of my last plank. Repeat steps 5 & 6.
Step 8 - I repeated this process for 3 rows alternating each row to a different end of the room. This left me with a few gaps at the alternating ends.
Step 9 - I measured each gaps length and used a box cutter to score a few lines on a full plank. I gently bent the plank until it snapped clean. I then scraped on my adhesive and placed my smaller plank to fill the gap. Keep in mind it is good to have a hammer nearby so you can give the edges a tap if your plank is not easily falling down into place.
Step 10 - Repeat this whole process making sure to clean up any excess adhesive and allow your floors to dry and set a bit before heavy use. I waited 72 hours.
Safety disclaimer: When working with any chemicals, glues, primers, or paints with VOC's make sure to work in well ventilated area and wear PPE.
Make sure to head over https://www.facebook.com/pg/weatheredhearts/videos view my video tutorial!
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